Roots 'n' Rhythms x RAVE & RESISTANCE: Stories of South African Club Music

Join us for the next edition of Chakula's Roots 'n' Rhythms at The Africa Centre

We'll be launching RAVE & RESISTANCE, a new series exploring the cultural impact, political context, and global influence of South African club music, curated by Artist and DJ Viva Msimang.

Volume 1 traces the sounds and stories that have shaped dancefloors from Johannesburg to London - from kwaito and gqom to the future-facing beats of the diaspora. The evening opens with a screening of Future Sound of Mzansi, the iconic documentary by Spoek Mathambo and Lebogang Rasethaba, followed by an intimate presentation and record showcase by London-based South African DJ and researcher Esa Williams, celebrating the legacy of kwaito through vinyl. The night will culminate in a live set from Zulu Afrorave trailblazer Toya Delazy, fusing multidimensional beats, incisive rhymes, and social commentary echoing the radical legacy of Afrofuturism’s early pioneers.

Expect live music, archival footage, rich conversation, and time to gather over drinks and South African-inspired canapés created by artist and chef Drill Scott Heron. This is a space for connection, celebration, and reflection on the role of music and culture as vehicles for social change and community resilience.

Event Timings

5.30pm | Welcome (bar)

6.00pm | Future Sound of Mzansi screening (bar)

8.00pm | Esa Williams presentation + record showcase (bar)

9.30pm | Toya Delazy live set (3rd Floor)

10.30pm|Goodbyes (bar)

11.00pm | Close

Tickets

Everyone is welcome! Please note that this space is created for and by Black LGBTQ+ people. Our goal is to amplify the community through this creative intervention.

Please select the ticket that suits you best

Concession (recommended for Black LGBTQ+ and/or working class people) | £8
Standard (recommended for Black non-LGBTQ+ supporters) | £12
Solidarity (recommended for non-Black LGBTQ+ supporters) |£16

About Chakula

The Chakula programme is a monthly series of events, workshops and dialogues geared towards supporting and empowering Black and African LGBTQ+ communities at The Africa Centre. Follow @thechakulaprogramme

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Event details

Where

The Africa Centre, 66 Great Suffolk St, London, SE1 0BL

When

Start: 29^th May, 2025 at 5:30pm

End: 29^th May, 2025 at 11:00pm

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The Chakula Program

Chakula is a monthly event series at the Africa Centre that supports and connects Black and African LGBTQ+ voices through workshops, dialogues, and cultural programs. Curated by Vee Belinga, the series explores intersectional experiences across London, Africa, and the diaspora. Chakula fosters joy, healing, and community. It is funded by Propel. Read more